BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 486
86R5002 MP-D	By: Watson
	Natural Resources & Economic Development
	3/18/2019
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The light-duty motor vehicle purchase or lease incentive program is funded through the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP). This money can be granted to subsidize purchase of various kinds of reduced emissions vehicles, largely electric or hybrid cars.

Concerned parties note that current phrasing in statute prevents use of this underutilized source of grants for electric motorcycles by limiting acceptable vehicles to only those with four wheels. This bill would amend Section 386.154(d) (light-duty motor vehicle purchase or lease incentive program), Health and Safety Code, to add motorcycles, as defined by Section 541.201 of the Transportation Code, as an eligible vehicle for grant funding.

As proposed, S.B. 486 amends current law relating to vehicle eligibility for the light-duty motor vehicle purchase or lease incentive program.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 386.154(d), Health and Safety Code, to provide that a new light‑duty motor vehicle powered by an electric drive is eligible for a $2,500 incentive if the vehicle has four wheels or is a motorcycle as defined by 541.201 (Vehicles), among other specifications.

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2019.